Question 14 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Environme nt

Question

Which of the following is not a bird?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Golden Mahseer

Strategy: Identify the non-bird among the given options by evaluating species names and their common associations. The core of the strategy is recognizing 'Mahseer' (specifically 'Golden Mahseer') as a freshwater fish, differentiating it from the other choices which are commonly known bird species.

Key Info: ## Golden Mahseer
Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) is one of the largest freshwater fish. It is found primarily in Himalayan rivers across South and Central Asia. A member of the Cyprinidae family, it is highly prized for sport fishing due to its size and strength. The species is currently listed as endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.

## Indian Nightjar
Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus) is a nocturnal bird species native to South Asia. It is known for its camouflaged plumage and its distinctive, jarring, repetitive call heard during the night.

## Spoonbill
Spoonbill refers to several large, wading bird species belonging to the genus Platalea. They are easily recognized by their characteristic spatula-shaped bills and typically inhabit wetlands and mudflats worldwide.

## White Ibis
The White Ibis (Eudocimus albus in the Americas; Oriental White Ibis or Black-headed Ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus, in India) is a wading bird. These birds are found in wetland habitats, notable for their white plumage and specialized feeding techniques. Both Spoonbills and Ibises belong to the order Pelecaniformes and are frequently observed in similar wetland environments.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Indian Nightjar

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Spoonbill

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: White Ibis